Parasites and Other Infectious Agents in Non-human Primates of Argentina

Abstract

Purpose of ReviewIn Argentina, there are five non-human primate (NHP) species: Sapajus nigritus cucullatus, Sapajus cay, Alouatta caraya, Alouatta guariba clamitans, and Aotus azarae. All of them inhabit protected and non-protected areas and face severe threats due anthropization. We aim to summarize the information available about parasites and infectious diseases of these NHPs and suggest further research on primate diseases in Argentina. Recent Findings NHPs of Argentina are hosts of several parasites and pathogens important for conservation as well as public health. Alouatta species are lethally susceptible to yellow fever virus, which makes them suitable health sentinels of possible outbreaks. For other primate species, few parasite surveys have been carried out. Summary Assessing the presence of infectious diseases and long-term surveillance on NHP allow the development of strategies to help in the early detection of pathogens that may threat public health. Increasing the knowledge about parasites and infectious diseases and their consequences in NHP of Argentina is needed, considering a One Health approach.

Human and Non-Human Primate Coexistence in Argentina: Conflicts and Solutions

“…While the appalling effects of yellow fever are certain [123], it is worth noting that howler monkey populations of the humid Chaco (Corrientes, Chaco, and Formosa provinces) registered substantially fewer deaths during the last two yellow fever outbreaks (2008/2017). It is the monkeys susceptibility that makes them of high epidemiological importance, major indicators of enzootic disease outbreaks in forest areas, and health sentinels for prompt detection of the virus [4,116,120]. However, for this same reason, mostly in rural areas, people sometimes are of the wrong impression that howler monkeys can transmit the disease to humans, which can lead to the killing of the monkeys when encountered.…”

“…However, for this same reason, mostly in rural areas, people sometimes are of the wrong impression that howler monkeys can transmit the disease to humans, which can lead to the killing of the monkeys when encountered. Of course, the only way to attenuate the outbreaks is to ensure human vaccination against the virus, combined with information campaigns and education programs and protection of priority areas for monkeys conservation [4] (see next sections).…”

Measuring mantled howler monkey (Alouatta palliata) testes via parallel laser photogrammetry: Expanding the use of noninvasive methods

“…In addition, darting and capture triggers a hormonal stress response (i.e., increased cortisol) and can provoke agitation and other stress‐induced behaviors (Bethell et al, 2012; Wasserman, Chapman, et al, 2013). Last, given the close relatedness of humans and nonhuman primates, there have been several instances of disease transfer (Adrus et al, 2019; Dolz et al, 2019; Illia et al, 2022; Köndgen et al, 2008; Obanda et al, 2019; Wallis & Rick Lee, 1999). This risk of disease transfer can be mitigated with noninvasive methods that maintain greater distances between researchers and subjects.…”

Multisystem infection by Dipetalonema spp. in a capuchin monkey (Sapajus nigritus)

“…are located mainly in the peritoneal cavity of primates. The parasite's microfilariae remain in the host's bloodstream, and in insects of the genus Culicoides, which act as vectors in enzootic areas, they develop to the infectious stage (L3) (7,6,8,9) . The clinical presentation of dipetalonemiasis and the worsening of the clinical condition of infected primates depend on the animal's immunological status and the presence of comorbidities and/or stressors (6,10,11) .…”